Randpark High girls excel at Gauteng Orienteering Championships
The sport can be enjoyed by all ages, competing as individuals or in groups, with families most welcome.
Rand Park High School was well-represented in the Gauteng Orienteering Championships at Thaba Trails.
Over 60 experienced orienteers took part in the event with the middle-distance and long-distance races contested over two days. The school was represented by elite athletes Danika Gwilliam, and Bailie and Piper de Klerk.
Orienteering is a cross-country running activity where competitors have to locate several checkpoints in the rough terrain, aided only with a detailed map and a compass.
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This year’s championship proved tough in very rough and complex bushveld – with dense bush, rocks, and some serious climbing. Added to the challenge was the very hot weather over the weekend.
Although entrants aged from 8 to 80 are eligible, the championships are contested in specific age categories, with course distances and complexity to suit, depending upon the experience of the runners.
Piper was the gold medal winner in the long-distance race, followed by Danika in the U20 category, with Bailie taking second place in her U16 age group.
Repeating their performances, Piper also won the middle-distance discipline with Danika close on her heels. Bailie, getting used to the area, pulled off a win in the U16 group.
“I feel I could’ve done better and pushed myself harder. It was quite tough going. I enjoyed running past animals and the challenges were having to run up hills and through the bushes. I’m quite proud of myself,” said Danika.
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The South African Sprint Championships were contested at Wits University before the Gauteng event and once again it was these two runners who battled it out for the win – with Piper being crowned as the Orienteering Sprint Champion for 2024.
Piper explained that she is very proud of her performances and these runs are part of her personal best. “I’m looking forward to getting even faster. The long run was difficult because I had no water, and it was very hot.”
She added that there were many hills that the course planner made them cross and that going uphill was tough. “I really enjoyed running in the area; it’s so pretty and I saw a herd of zebra. I also enjoy socialising and discussing the different routes with all the other competitors after the competition.”
Events are organised on a monthly basis at venues all over Gauteng and these range from urban to bush environments. The Rand Athletic Club Orienteers are always eager
to show newcomers the techniques and provide basic instruction.
For more information, contact Pat de Klerk at www.racorienteers.co.za
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